These Top Ottawa Fall Road Trips Will “Drive” You Insane with Their Breathtaking Beauty!
It feels like just yesterday that we bid farewell to winter’s chill and welcomed the lively spirit of spring. And now, as summer tiptoes in, I can already sense autumn eagerly waiting to awaken from its slumber.
Don’t get me wrong – you won’t catch me complaining! I mean, I’m just a mere mortal who can’t resist the allure of pumpkin spice lattes, snug sweaters, and the stunning fall foliage!
Fortunately, living in Ottawa has its autumn season perks because the city is surrounded by striking destinations where you can enjoy beautiful fall views.
I like to joke that it’s the only driving force that anchors me in the city!
So, without further ado, here’s my personal list of top fall road trips with breathtaking views, sure to leave you falling in love with autumn even more!
1. 1000 Islands Tower
Media credit: @justinpluslauren
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4CMtjLZmWMoWCcx6
Address: 716 Highway 137 Hill, Island, Lansdowne, ON
Contact details: +1 613 659-2335
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – closed
Estimated travel time from Ottawa: 1 hour and 34 minutes
1000 Islands Tower is a striking observation point that will take your foliage viewing adventure to new heights – literally!
Here, you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area from 400 meters up, making it an ideal option for those seeking a panoramic perspective of the stunning landscape below, especially during the peak of the fall foliage season.
The only downside is that tickets cost CA$18 for adults and CA$9 for kids. If you’re looking for a place to drive near Ottawa, one where it won’t cost you to enjoy the autumn season, it might be worth looking at the other locations on the list.
The good news is, we’re just getting started!
2. Eagles Nest Lookout
Media credit: @ottawatourism
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TZnd12GHfzSt3VnL9
Address: Greater Madawaska, ON
Contact details: +1 800-669-4861
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Estimated travel time from Ottawa:1 hour and 12 minutes
If you’re an adventure seeker or an avid fan of the great outdoors, Eagles Nest Lookout might just be right up your alley.
This hiking spot is even more popular during the fall season when the crisp leaves are in their full, golden glory. With its easy trails, it’s quite accessible to hikers of all levels, including kids!
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, reminiscent of the iconic scene where Mufasa imparts wisdom to Simba in The Lion King!
Oh, and get this – dogs are allowed on the trails!
3. Mont-Tremblant
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8u94PAXzE9AxA49XA
Estimated travel time from Ottawa: 1 hour and 47 minutes
Mont-Tremblant is a captivating city in Quebec with colorful landscapes all year round.
Mostly renowned for being a magnificent skiing destination, it’s also well-loved for its gorgeous foliage usually spotted from mid-September to mid-October.
The best way to enjoy the views is by riding the panoramic gondola which will take you to the summit, ensuring even better panoramas at the top.
4. Mont Sutton
Website: https://montsutton.com/en/
Address: 671 Rue Maple, Sutton, QC
Contact details: +1 866-538-2545
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Estimated travel time from Ottawa: 3 hours and 20 minutes
If you’re willing to endure a longer journey, you’ll discover that the trip to Mont Sutton is well worth it.
This striking attraction in Quebec is popular all year round for its exciting activities and of course, gorgeous nature views.
There’s a fall festival from September to October where visitors can explore the wide array of activities with beautiful foliage as the backdrop.
You can go here for a quick day trip or completely indulge in its offerings by staying at its lodging option for at least a night.
I recommend the latter, considering there are a lot of options to choose from such as camping with a tent, van, or RV.
5. Champlain Lookout
Media credit: @jessicawongphotography
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XD24qnn1SQ2BWdxP8
Address: Champlain Pkwy, Luskville, Quebec
Contact details: +1 819-827-2020
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Estimated travel time from Ottawa: 40 minutes
Champlain Lookout is a nearby option for those who don’t want to be on the road for a long time just to enjoy the autumn foliage.
It offers a stunning viewpoint of the vibrant fall colors across the landscape, making it an ideal destination for a quick and memorable autumn adventure.
There’s also a moderately challenging trail nearby, so visitors can hit two birds with one stone. That is if they’re up to the challenge!
6. Bon Echo Provincial Park
Website: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/bonecho
Address: 16151 Hwy 41, Cloyne, ON
Contact details: +1 613-336-2228
Estimated travel time from Ottawa: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Bon Echo Provincial Park is a camping hotspot, attracting outdoor adventurers seeking a wilderness escape surrounded by stunning natural beauty and endless recreational opportunities.
The activities one can indulge in here are hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing, and of course, sightseeing, among many others.
Bon Echo Provincial Park is the ideal location if you don’t just want to enjoy the foliage and return to Ottawa afterward; instead, you can fully immerse yourself in the available activities.
7. Algonquin Provincial Park
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Pn26yccQtWFUSUz6
Address: Ontario 60, Ontario
Contact details: +1 705-633-5572
Estimated travel time from Ottawa: 2 hours and 50 minutes
For those seeking a destination further away from Ottawa, you should consider Algonquin Provincial Park, beckoning to anyone with a penchant for nature with its unparalleled beauty.
Visitors are treated to a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty as they traverse one of the park’s many trails and picturesque lakes.
Each spot offers a new perspective to enjoy the foliage as if you’re visiting different locations all at once. Needless to say, it’s well worth the trip!
8. Patrimoine et Chutes de Plaisance
Media credit: @jessicawongphotography
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1VRmoRHfgEMpWFm39
Address: 100 Rang Malo, Plaisance, QC
Contact details: 1 819-427-5350
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Estimated travel time from Ottawa: 50 minutes
If there’s one view of the autumn foliage you shouldn’t miss at Patrimoine et Chutes de Plaisance, it’s definitely by the 67-meter waterfall, which is what it’s most known for.
The rushing waters with the serene ambiance of nature create a mesmerizing backdrop that enhances the beauty of the autumn foliage.
Aside from sightseeing, visitors also go here to hike, but it might be more suitable for those who can take a challenge.
Expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours here, especially if you’re walking leisurely on the trails.
9. Calabogie Peaks Resort
Website: https://www.calabogie.com
Address: 30 Barrett Chute Rd, Calabogie, ON
Contact details: +1 343-242-1003
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Estimated travel time from Ottawa: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Calabogie Peaks is another skiing attraction where Ottawans can enjoy the beautiful foliage.
Here, a multitude of activities await, from exhilarating water sports to scenic chairlift rides, providing visitors with the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning autumn landscape.
At the chairlift, you can ride all the way up for a better view and take in the breathtaking scenery from the top. Afterward, you can ride back down or choose to hike instead.
After a day of adventure, you can unwind at the nightly campfire, a lovely tradition of the
resort that creates the perfect ambiance to converse with your companions or other guests.
10. Camp Fortune
Website: https://campfortune.com
Address: 300 Dunlop Rd, Chelsea, Quebec
Contact details: +1 819-827-1717
Estimated travel time from Ottawa: 25 minutes
Concluding this list of the best fall road trips from Ottawa is Camp Fortune, conveniently the closest destination featured. In just under 30 minutes from Ottawa, travelers will be treated to stunning autumn vistas and an array of outdoor activities.
It’s ideal for outdoor explorers who want something more extreme like the adrenaline-inducing zip lines or the exhilarating mountain pipe coaster.
Furthermore, Camp Fortune’s well-maintained trails and family-friendly environment make it a favorite destination for both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and those hopping on their first fall adventure.
It’s an ideal spot to experience the beauty of the season without straying too far from Ottawa, perfect for those who prefer day trips.